DELIVERY firm specialist FedEx has just ordered 1000 electric vans from Chinese auto maker Chanje.
The company will lease 900 of the vehicles through Ryder and purchase the remaining 100 electric vans.
The purpose-built Chanje V8100 electric delivery vehicles will be operated by FedEx Express for commercial and residential pick-up and delivery services in the United States.
Mitch Jackson, FedEx Chief Sustainability Officer, said:
“FedEx continually seeks new ways to maximise operational efficiency, minimise impacts and find innovative solutions through the company’s Reduce, Replace, Revolutionise approach to sustainability. Our investment in these vehicles is part of our commitment to that approach of serving our customers and connecting the world responsibly and resourcefully.”
The electric delivery vans are manufactured by FDG in Hangzhou, China, and purchased through Chanje Energy Inc, the company’s subsidiary for global business. Ryder System, Inc will provide support services for all of the vehicles.
The Chanje V8100 is an electric medium duty panel van that can travel over 150 miles when fully charged. The cargo bay offers 675cu ft of carrying ability and a payload of 2720kg.
Chanje says the vans have the potential to help FedEx save two thousand gallons of fuel while avoiding 20 tons of emissions per vehicle each year. All of the EVs will be operated in California.